The factory letter indicates the serial number was applied on September 12, 1894, and the rifle was received in the warehouse on September 15, 1894. Two days later it shipped as part of order number 21227 in rifle configuration with a .38-56 chambered octagon barrel, plain trigger, 1/2 magazine, and no stock. The latter is very unusual and suggests the rifle was destined for retailer modification. The rifle features a German silver blade front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, special order style "button" magazine, period custom checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with shadow line cheekpiece, sling swivels, hard rubber grip cap, checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate, and "C. Stasny/Boston" inscribed gold shield inset into belly of buttstock. The barrel is marked with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "38-56 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang has the model designation, and the lower tang has the serial number and patent marking. The left side of the lower tang is marked "208 OOF". The rifle may have belonged to virtuoso pianist Carl Stasny who toured extensively in Europe and the U.S. in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Stasny's talent was evident as early as the age of 8 and after some early tours in Germany and Russia he studied under the renowned Austrian composer and pianist Franz Liszt. After further tours in Europe, he worked as a professor at Frankfort-on-the-Main from 1886-1891. He then moved to Boston after being induced to lead the piano department of the Boston Conservatory of Music and was a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and other musical groups in New England. He was one of four pianists chosen by Theodore Thomas to perform with the Thomas Orchestra at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. Throughout his life he fostered friendships with many elite musicians including Richard Wagner. He died in 1920.

Very fine. 95% of the original blue finish and 50% plus of the vivid case colors remain with some minor pitting and spotting. The wood is very good with crisp checkering, minor pressure marks and a few scratches, and some attractive figure on the butt. The action is excellent. The markings, including the inscription, are crisp. This is a rare Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Rifle period fitted with deluxe wood and inscription.